XPoSat

XPoSat

News: Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that India is set to launch its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat).

What is XPoSat?
• XPoSat represents India’s inaugural dedicated polarimetry mission designed to explore the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
• The primary goal is to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources, advancing our understanding of celestial phenomena.
• It is designated for observation from a Low Earth Orbit, specifically a non-sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 650 km with a low inclination of around six degrees.
• Expected mission life is of 5 years.
• The satellite is scheduled to be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

What are the scientific payloads?
• POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): It measures polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in the medium X-ray energy range (8-30 keV) for astronomical photons.
• XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) Payload: It provides spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• Payloads will observe X-ray sources during the spacecraft’s transit through Earth’s shadow, particularly during the eclipse period.